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Objectives: To investigate the role of oral lichen planus (OLP) on the long‐term prognosis of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). Methods: Retrospective single‐centre cohort study using the 2007–2019 database of the Head and Neck Cancer and Oral Medicine units of University College London Hospital. The exposure of interest was the presence of OLP, and the prognostic outcomes included the development of new primary episodes of OED, progression to malignancy and mortality. Cox proportional hazard and Poisson regression models were performed. Results: A total of 299 patients, of whom 144 had OED arising on the background of OLP (OLP/OED) and 155 had OED without underlying OLP (non‐OLP/OED), were included. A pre‐existing diagnosis of OLP was significantly associated with a twofold increased risk of subsequent primary OED events (HR = 2.02, p = 0.04), which also developed faster (1.46 vs. 2.96 years, p = 0.04) and with more involvement of non‐cancer‐prone sites (p = 0.001) than in the non‐OLP/OED group. There was no difference between groups in the progression to malignancy or mortality. Conclusions: Oral lichen planus/OED patients are at higher risk of multiple episodes of primary OED, which can develop faster and at non‐cancer‐prone sites as compared to non‐OLP/OED individuals. Further research is needed to clarify the effects of OLP upon progression to OSCC and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To preliminary evaluate the clinical effects of probiotics in individuals with symptomatic oral lichen planus and the possible mechanisms of action. Subjects and Methods: A group of 30 individuals with symptomatic oral lichen planus were recruited in a randomised double‐blind parallel group controlled (1:1) proof‐of‐concept pilot trial of probiotic VSL#3 vs placebo. Efficacy outcomes included changes in pain numeric rating scale, oral disease severity score and the chronic oral mucosal disease questionnaire. Adverse effects, home diary and withdrawals were assessed as feasibility outcomes. Mechanistic outcomes included changes in salivary and serum levels of CXCL10 and IFN‐γ and in oral microbial composition. Results: The probiotic VSL#3 was safe and well tolerated. We observed no statistically significant change in pain, disease activity, quality of life, serum/salivary CXCL10 or oral microbial composition with respect to placebo. Salivary IFN‐γ levels demonstrate a trend for a reduced level in the active group (p = 0.082) after 30 days of probiotic consumption. Conclusions: The present proof‐of‐concept study provides some weak not convincing indication of biological and clinical effects of probiotic VSL#3 in individuals with painful oral lichen planus. Further research in this field is needed, with the current study providing useful information to the design of future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Oral dysesthesia (burning mouth syndrome) is characterized by a burning-like sensation of the oral mucosa. The etiology of this disorder is still unknown, however, associations with oral fungal carriage have been proposed and applied clinically. The aim of the this study was to compare oral Candida carriage in patients with oral dysesthesia with Candida carriage in patients with other commonly diagnosed oral diseases to clarify the relationship between Candida and oral dysesthesia.Subjects and Methods: In total, 441 patients in total including 79 patients diagnosed with oral dysesthesia were included in this study. A retrospective analysis of mycological investigations undertaken in patients with clinically diagnosed oral dysesthesia compared with other oral conditions was undertaken.Results: Oral carriage of Candida was found in 63.3% (50 of 79) of patients with oral dysesthesia. The frequency of carriage and oral load of Candida were not significantly increased in patients with oral dysesthesia relative to the other conditions assessed. Patients with clinical signs of fungal infection or xerostomia presented with increased carriage of Candida.Conclusion: There is no association between oral dysesthesia and the presence or load of oral Candida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]